Initiation modes for a credit and enabling system for virtual constructs

ABSTRACT

Systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a controlled entity hybrid game including a terminal including an entertainment software engine connected by a network to a game world controller, and constructed to: execute an entertainment game; convey actions taken by the player, wherein the actions include the player&#39;s instruction of a controlled entity, wherein upon consumption of the actionable element, a wager is triggered in the gambling game; and the game world controller connected to a real world controller and connected by the network to the entertainment software controller, wherein the game world controller is constructed to: receive the actions taken by the player; trigger the wager of the amount of real world credits in the gambling game; accumulate an amount of the actionable element; and allow access in the entertainment game to the amount of actionable element on passing one or more transport tests.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/740,078, filed Jun. 15, 2015; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/174,813, filed Feb. 6, 2014, which is acontinuation of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US13/20588, filed on Jan. 7, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/631,525 filed on Jan. 5, 2012, thecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if stated in full herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to gaming andmore specifically to various control elements within a hybrid game thatincludes both an entertainment game and a gambling game.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry has traditionally developedgaming machines with a gambling game. A gambling game is typically agame of chance, which is a game where the outcome of the game isgenerally dependent solely on chance (such as a slot machine). A game ofchance can be contrasted with a game of skill where the outcome of thegame may depend upon a player's skill with the game. Gambling games aretypically not as interactive and do not include graphics assophisticated as an entertainment game, which is a game of skill such asa video game.

SUMMARY

Systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate acontrolled entity hybrid game. In one embodiment, an entertainmentsoftware controller connected by a network to a game world controller,wherein the entertainment software controller is constructed to: executean entertainment game providing outcomes based upon a player's skillfulexecution of the entertainment game; and convey, to the game worldcontroller by the network, actions taken by the player during theplayer's skillful execution of the entertainment game, wherein theactions taken by the player include the player's instruction of acontrolled entity of the entertainment game whereby the controlledentity consumes a discrete amount of an enabling element of theentertainment game, wherein the enabling element is an element of theentertainment game utilized by the controlled entity in a game worldenvironment, and wherein upon consumption of the enabling element, awager of real world credits is triggered in the gambling game by thegame world controller; and the game world controller connected to a realworld controller and connected by the network to the entertainmentsoftware controller, wherein the game world controller is constructedto: receive from the entertainment software controller the actions takenby the player; trigger the wager of the amount of real world credits inthe gambling game based upon the actions taken by the player, whereinthe amount of real world credits is based on the discrete amount of theenabling element consumed by the controlled entity; accumulate an amountof the enabling element in a reserve enabling element reservoir as aresult of a gambling game outcome; and allow access in the entertainmentgame to the amount of enabling element in the reserve enabling elementreservoir on passing one or more transport tests on a basis of a valueof an entertainment game variable of the entertainment game.

In a further embodiment, consumption of the enabling element by thecontrolled entity causes an actionable element of the entertainment gameto trigger the wager of the amount of real world credits in the gamblinggame.

In a further embodiment, the entertainment game variable is a change ina game world credit caused by entertainment game play.

In a further embodiment, the entertainment game variable is anentertainment game object required for consumption of the enablingelement.

In a further embodiment, the entertainment game variable is anentertainment game environmental condition required for consumption ofthe enabling element.

In a further embodiment, the real world controller is connected by anetwork to the game world controller.

In a further embodiment, the game world controller and the entertainmentsoftware controller are constructed from the same device.

In a further embodiment, the real world controller and the game worldcontroller are constructed from the same device.

An embodiment includes a real world controller connected to a game worldcontroller, wherein the real world controller is constructed to: providea gambling game outcome as a randomly generated payout of real worldcredits from a wager of an amount of real world credits in a gamblinggame; and receive a trigger from the game world controller to executethe wager of an amount of real world credits in the gambling game; andthe game world controller connected to the real world controller andconnected by a network to an entertainment software controller, whereinthe game world controller is constructed to: receive from theentertainment software controller the actions taken by the player duringthe player's skillful execution of an entertainment game executed by theentertainment software controller, wherein the actions taken by theplayer include the player's instruction of a controlled entity of theentertainment game whereby the controlled entity consumes a discreteamount of an enabling element of the entertainment game, and wherein theenabling element is an element of the entertainment game utilized by thecontrolled entity in a game world environment; trigger the wager of theamount of real world credits in the gambling game based upon the actionstaken by the player, wherein the amount of real world credits is basedon the discrete amount of the enabling element consumed by thecontrolled entity; accumulate an amount of the enabling element in areserve enabling element reservoir as a result of the gambling gameoutcome; and allow access in the entertainment game to the amount ofenabling element in the reserve enabling element reservoir on passingone or more transport tests on a basis of a value of an entertainmentgame variable of the entertainment game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a controlled entity hybrid game in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram that illustrates a network distributedcontrolled entity hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process of using a controlledentity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating initiation modes in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating additional initiation modes inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hardware architecture diagram of a processingapparatus utilized in the implementation of a controlled entity hybridgame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for operation of acontrolled entity hybrid game are illustrated. In several embodiments, acontrolled entity hybrid game is a form of a hybrid game thatincorporates a controlled entity within an entertainment game portion ofa hybrid game. The controlled entity is acted upon by a player and actsupon various classes of elements within the entertainment portion of ahybrid game. When acted upon, these various elements trigger bets orwagers in a gambling game portion of the hybrid game. In certainembodiments, the controlled entity hybrid game also includes a userinterface associated with either or both the gambling game and theentertainment game. In operation of a controlled entity hybrid game, aplayer acts upon a controlled entity which in turn utilizes varioustypes of elements of the entertainment game in a game world environment.Upon utilization of some of these elements, a wager is triggered in thegambling game. In playing the entertainment game, using the controlledentity, a player can consume and accrue game world credits (GWC) withinthe entertainment game. These credits can be in the form of (but are notlimited to) game world objects, experience points, or points generally.Wagers are made in the gambling game using real world credits (RWC). Thereal world credits can be credits in an actual currency, or may becredits in a virtual currency which has real world value. Gamblingoutcomes from the gambling game may cause consumption, loss or accrualof RWC. In addition, gambling outcomes in the gambling game mayinfluence elements in the entertainment game such as (but not limitedto) by adding an element, restoring a consumed element, causing the lossof an element, restoration of an element, or placement of an element.Example elements include (but are not limited to) enabling elements (EE)which are elements that enable a player's play of the entertainment gameand whose consumption by the controlled entity while playing theentertainment game may trigger a wager in the gambling game. Inaddition, EE may also be replenished during play within theentertainment game based on an outcome of a triggered wager. Other typesof elements include actionable elements (AE), which are elements thatare acted upon to trigger a wager in the gambling game and may not berestorable during normal play of the entertainment game, and collectiveenabling elements (CEE). Various hybrid games are discussed in PatentCooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011,entitled “ENRICHED GAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT (SINGLE and/or MULTIPLAYER) FORCASINO APPLICATIONS” and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, entitled “ENHANCED SLOT-MACHINE FORCASINO APPLICATIONS” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In many embodiments, a controlled entity hybrid game is a hybrid gameincorporating controlled entities that are controlled by a player andact upon various types of elements in a hybrid game. A controlled entityhybrid game can be used to generate a rich gameplay experience. As isdiscussed further below, any of a variety of different controlled entityhybrid game scenarios can be utilized including (but not limited to) warthemed controlled entity hybrid games, sports themed controlled entityhybrid games, and racing themed controlled entity hybrid games.

Controlled Entity Hybrid Games

In many embodiments, a controlled entity hybrid game integrates highlevels of entertainment content with a game of skill (entertainmentgame), a gambling experience with a game of chance (gambling game). Acontrolled entity hybrid game provides for random outcomes independentof player skill while providing that the user's gaming experience (asmeasured by obstacles/challenges encountered, time of play and otherfactors) is shaped by the player's skill. A controlled entity hybridgame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 1. The controlled entity hybrid game 128 includes a RWE 102, GWE112, ESE 120, gambling game user interface 122 and entertainment gameuser interface 124. The two user interfaces may be part of the same userinterface but are separate in the illustrated embodiment. The RWE 102 isconnected with the GWE 112 and the gambling game user interface 122. TheESE 120 is connected with the GWE 112 and the entertainment game userinterface 124. The GWE 112 is connected also with the entertainment gameuser interface 124.

In several embodiments, the RWE 102 is the operating system for thegambling game of the skill calibrated hybrid game 128 and controls andoperates the gambling game. The operation of a gambling game is enabledby RWC, such as money, real world funds, or a virtual currency. Agambling game can increase or decreases an amount of RWC based on randomgambling outcomes, where the gambling proposition of a gambling game istypically regulated by gaming control bodies. In many embodiments, theRWE includes a RW operating system (OS) 104, random number generator(RNG) 106, level “n” real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RWC) 108,RWC meters 110 and other software constructs that enable a game ofchance to offer a fair and transparent gambling proposition, and tocontain the auditable systems and functions that can enable the game toobtain gaming regulatory body approval.

A random number generator (RNG) 106 includes software and/or hardwarealgorithms and/or processes, which are used to generate random outcomes.A level “n” real-world credit pay table (Table Ln-RWC) 108 is a tablethat can be used in conjunction with a random number generator (RNG) 106to dictate the real world credits (RWC) earned as a function ofsponsored gameplay and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-RWC payouts are independent ofplayer skill. There may be one or a plurality of Table Ln-RWC pay tables108 contained in a gambling game, the selection of which may bedetermined by factors including (but not limited to) game progress aplayer has earned, and/or bonus rounds which a player may be eligiblefor. Real world credits (RWC) are credits analogous to slot machine gamecredits, which are entered into a gambling game by the user, either inthe form of money such as hard currency or electronic funds. RWCs can bedecremented or augmented based on the outcome of a random numbergenerator according to the Table Ln-RWC real world credits pay table108, independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, an amount ofRWC can be required to enter higher ESE game levels. RWC can be carriedforward to higher game levels or paid out if a cash out is opted for bya player. The amount of RWC required to enter a specific level of thegame “level n” need not be the same for each level.

In many embodiments, the GWE 112 manages the overall controlled entityhybrid game operation, with the RWE 102 and the ESE 120 effectivelybeing support units to the GWE 112. In several embodiments, the GWE 112contains mechanical, electronic and software system for an entertainmentgame. The GWE 112 includes a GW game operating system (OS) 114 thatprovides control of the entertainment game. The GWE additionallycontains a level “n” game world credit pay table (Table Ln-GWC) 116 fromwhere to take input from this table to affect the play of theentertainment game. The GWE 112 can further couple to the RWE 102 todetermine the amount of RWC available on the game and other metrics ofwagering on the gambling game (and potentially affect the amount of RWCin play on the RWE). The GWE additionally contains various audit logsand activity meters (such as the GWC meter) 118. The GWE 112 can alsocouple to a centralized server for exchanging various data related tothe player and their activities on the game. The GWE 112 furthermorecouples to the ESE 120. The GWE can also utilize a multilayer module toapply a gameplay impact generated from a player action in one gameplaylayer to players at different gameplay layers. In numerous embodiments,a GWE can utilize a multilayer module to detect at least one playeraction, analyze the at least one player action for a gameplay impact andapply the gameplay impact to the gameplay of players at differentgameplay layers in the controlled entity hybrid game in accordance withthe gameplay impact. The players at different gameplay layers can bepart of a player class at the different gameplay layers.

In many embodiments, a level “n” game world credit pay table (TableLn-GWC) 116 dictates the GWC earned as a function of player skill in thenth level of the game. The payouts governed by this table are dependentupon player skill and sponsored gameplay at large and may or may not becoupled to a random number generator. In several embodiments, game worldcredits (GWC) are player points earned or depleted as a function ofplayer skill, i.e. as a function of player performance in the context ofthe game. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical video game. Eachentertainment game has one or more scoring criterion, embedded withinthe Table Ln-GWC 116 that reflects player performance against thegoal(s) of the game. GWC can be carried forward from one level ofsponsored gameplay to another, and ultimately paid out in variousmanners such as directly in cash, or indirectly such as earning entranceinto a sweepstakes drawing, or earning participation in, or victory in,a tournament with prizes. GWC may be stored on a player tracking card orin a network-based player tracking system, where the GWC is attributedto a specific player.

In certain embodiments, the operation of the GWE does not affect theRWE's gambling operation except for player choice parameters that areallowable in slot machines today including but not limited to the wageramount, how fast the player wants to play (by pressing a button orpulling the slot's handle) and/or agreement to wager into a bonus round.In this sense, the RWE 102 provides a fair and transparent, non-skillbased gambling proposition co-processor to the GWE 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the communication link shown between the GWE 112and the RWE 102 allows the GWE 112 to obtain information from the RWE102 as to the amount of RWC available in the gambling game. Thecommunication link can also convey a necessary status operation of theRWE (such as on-line or tilt). The communication link can furthercommunicate the various gambling control factors which the RWE 102 usesas input, such as the number of RWC consumed per game or the player'selection to enter a jackpot round. In FIG. 1, the GWE 112 is also shownas connecting to the player's user interface directly, as this may benecessary to communicate certain entertainment game club points, playerstatus, control the selection of choices and messages which a player mayfind useful in order to adjust their entertainment game experience orunderstand their gambling status in the RWE 102.

In various embodiments, the ESE 120 manages and controls the visual,audio, and player control for the entertainment game. In certainembodiments, the ESE 120 accepts input from a player through a set ofhand controls, and/or head, gesture, and/or eye tracking systems andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. Inmany embodiments, the ESE 120 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 112. In several embodiments an ESE 120 can beimplemented using a personal computer (PC), a Sony PlayStation® (a videogame console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment of Tokyo Japan),or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game console developed by MicrosoftCorporation of Redmond, Washington) running a specific entertainmentgame software program. In numerous embodiments, an ESE can be anelectromechanical game system of a controlled entity hybrid game that isan electromechanical hybrid game. An electromechanical hybrid gameexecutes an electromechanical game for player entertainment. Theelectromechanical game can be any game that utilizes both mechanical andelectrical components, where the game operates as a combination ofmechanical motions performed by at least one player or theelectromechanical game itself. Various electromechanical hybrid gamesare discussed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US12/58156, filed Sep. 29, 2012, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

In many embodiments, the ESE 120 operates mostly independently from theGWE 112, except that via the interface, the GWE 112 may send certain GWgame control parameters and elements to the ESE 120 to affect its play,such as (but not limited to) what level of character to be using,changing the difficulty level of the game, changing the type of gun orcar in use, and/or requesting potions to become available or to be foundby the character. These game control parameters and elements may bebased on a gambling outcome of a gambling game that was triggered by anelement in the entertainment game being acted upon by the player. TheESE 120 can accept this input from the GWE 112, make adjustments, andcontinue the play action all the while running seamlessly from theplayer's perspective. The ESE's operation is mostly skill based, exceptfor where the ESE's processes may inject complexities into the game bychance in its normal operation to create unpredictability in theentertainment game. Utilizing this interface, the ESE 120 may alsocommunicate player choices made in the game to the GWE 112, such as butnot limited to selection of a different gun, and/or the player pickingup a special potion in the GW environment. The GWE's job in thisarchitecture, being interfaced thusly to the ESE 120, is to allow thetransparent coupling of entertainment software to a fair and transparentrandom chance gambling game, providing a seamless perspective to theplayer that they are playing a typical popular entertainment game (whichis skill based). In certain embodiments, the ESE 120 can be used toenable a wide range of entertainment games at different gameplay layersinterconnected during a gameplay session with gameplay impact fromplayer actions at one gameplay layer applied to gameplay at anothergameplay layer including but not limited to popular titles from arcadeand home video games, such as but not limited to Gears of War (a thirdperson shooter game developed by Epic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis(a shooter arcade game developed by Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), orMadden Football (an American football video game developed by EA Tiburonof Maitland, Fla.). Providers of such software can provide thepreviously described interface by which the GWE 120 can requestamendments to the operation of the ESE software in order to provideseamless and sensible operation as both a gambling game and anentertainment game.

In several embodiments, the RWE 102 can accept a trigger to run agambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 120 to the GWE 112, or astriggered by the GWE 112 based on its algorithms, background to theoverall game from the player's perspective, but can provide informationto the GWE 112 to expose the player to certain aspects of the gamblinggame, such as (but not limited to) odds, amount of RWC in play, andamount of RWC available. The RWE 102 can accept modifications in theamount of RWC wagered on each individual gambling try, or the number ofgames per minute the RWE 102 can execute, entrance into a bonus round,and other factors, all the while these factors can take a different formthan that of a typical slot machine. An example of a varying wageramount that the player can choose might be that they have decided toplay with a more powerful character in the game, a more powerful gun, ora better car. These choices can increase or decrease the amount wageredper individual gambling game, in the same manner that a standard slotmachine player may decide to wager more or less credits for each pull ofthe handle. In several embodiments, the RWE 102 can communicate a numberof factors back and forth to the GWE 112, via an interface, suchincrease/decrease in wager being a function of the player's decisionmaking as to their operational profile in the entertainment game (suchas but not limited to the power of the character, gun selection or carchoice). In this manner, the player is always in control of the per gamewager amount, with the choice mapping to some parameter or componentthat is applicable to the entertainment game experience of the hybridgame. In a particular embodiment, the RWE 102 operation can be a game ofchance as a gambling game running every 10 seconds where the amountwagered is communicated from the GWE 112 as a function of choices theplayer makes in the operation profile in the entertainment game such asthose cited above.

In many embodiments, a controlled entity hybrid game integrates a videogame style gambling machine, where the gambling game (i.e. RWE 102 andRWC) is not player skill based, while at the same time allows players touse their skills to earn club points which a casino operator cantranslate to rewards, tournament opportunities and prizes for theplayers. The actual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directlyfrom gambling against a game of chance in a gambling game, such as aslot machine, is preserved. At the same time a rich environment ofrewards to stimulate “garners” can be established with the entertainmentgame. In several embodiments, the controlled entity hybrid game canleverage very popular titles with “garners” and provides a sea changeenvironment for casinos to attract players with games that are more akinto the type of entertainment that a younger generation desires. Invarious embodiments, players can use their skill towards building andbanking GWC that in turn can be used to win tournaments and variousprizes as a function of their “gamer” prowess. Numerous embodimentsminimize the underlying changes needed to the aforementionedentertainment software for the hybrid game to operate within anentertainment game construct, thus making a plethora of complex gametitles and environments, rapid and inexpensive to deploy in a gamblingenvironment.

In certain embodiments, controlled entity hybrid games also allowplayers to gain entry into subsequent competitions through theaccumulation of game world credits (GWC) that accrue as a function ofthe user's demonstrated skill at the game. These competitions can pitindividual players or groups of players against one another and/oragainst the casino to win prizes based upon a combination of chance andskill. These competitions may be either asynchronous events, wherebyplayers participate at a time and/or place of their choosing, or theymay be synchronized events, whereby players participate at a specifictime and/or venue.

In many embodiments, one or more players engage in playing anentertainment game, resident in the ESE, the outcomes of which aredependent at least in part on skill. The controlled entity hybrid gamecan include an entertainment game that includes head-to-head playbetween a single player and the computer, between two or more playersagainst one another, or multiple players playing against the computerand/or each other, as well as the process by which players bet on theoutcome of the entertainment game.

Network Connected Controlled Entity Hybrid Games

Controlled entity hybrid games in accordance with many embodiments ofthe invention can operate locally while being network connected to drawservices from remote locations or to communicate with other controlledentity hybrid games. In many embodiments, operations associated with acontrolled entity hybrid game such as (but not limited to) processes forcalculating score or RWC and GWC tracking can be performed acrossmultiple devices. These multiple devices can be implemented using asingle server or a plurality of servers such that a controlled entityhybrid game is executed as a system in a virtualized space, such as (butnot limited to) where the RWE and GWE are large scale centralizedservers in the cloud” coupled to a plurality of widely distributed ESEcontrollers or clients via the Internet.

In many embodiments, an RWE server can perform certain functionalitiesof a RWE of a controlled entity hybrid game. In certain embodiments, aRWE server includes a centralized odds engine which can generate randomoutcomes (such as but not limited to win/loss outcomes) for a gamblinggame, thereby eliminating the need to have that functionality of the RWEperformed locally within the controlled entity hybrid game. The RWEserver can perform a number of simultaneous or pseudo-simultaneous runsin order to generate random outcomes for a variety of odds percentagesthat one or more networked controlled entity hybrid games may require.In certain embodiments, an RWE of a controlled entity hybrid game cansend information to a RWE server including (but not limited to) TableLn-RWC tables, maximum speed of play for a gambling game, gambling gamemonetary denominations or any promotional RWC provided by the operatorof the controlled entity hybrid game. In particular embodiments, a RWEserver can send information to a RWE of a controlled entity hybrid gameincluding (but not limited to) RWC used in the gambling game, playerprofile information or play activity and a profile associated with aplayer.

In several embodiments, a GWE server can perform the functionality ofthe GWE across various controlled entity hybrid games. Thesefunctionalities can include (but are not limited to) providing a methodfor monitoring high scores on select groups of games, coordinatinginteractions between gameplay layers, linking groups of games in orderto join them in head-to-head tournaments, and acting as a tournamentmanager. A multilayer module can execute as part of a GWE server tocoordinate the gameplay impact from player actions applied to playerand/or player classes at various gameplay layers within a controlledentity hybrid game.

In a variety of embodiments, management of player profile informationcan be performed by a GWE patron management server separate from a GWEserver. A GWE patron management server can manage information related toa player profile, including (but not limited to) data concerningplayers' characters, players' game scores, players' RWC and GWC andmanaging tournament reservations. Although a GWE patron managementserver is discussed separate from a GWE server, in certain embodiments aGWE server also performs the functions of a GWE patron managementserver. In certain embodiments, a GWE of a controlled entity hybrid gamecan send information to a GW patron management server including (but notlimited to) GWC and RWC used in a game, player profile information, playactivity and profile information for players and synchronizationinformation between a gambling game and an entertainment game or otheraspects of a controlled entity hybrid game. In particular embodiments, aGW patron management server can send information to a GWE of acontrolled entity hybrid game including (but not limited to)entertainment game title and type, tournament information, Table Ln-GWCtables, special offers, character or profile setup and synchronizationinformation between a gambling game and an entertainment game or otheraspects of a controlled entity hybrid game. A multilayer module canexecute as part of a GWE patron management server to coordinate thegameplay impact from player actions applied to players and/or playerclasses at various gameplay layers within a controlled entity hybridgame.

In numerous embodiments, an ESE server provides a host for managinghead-to-head play, operating on the network of ESEs which are connectedto the ESE server by providing an environment where players can competedirectly with one another and interact with other players. Although anESE server is discussed separate from a GWE server, in certainembodiments a GWE server also performs the functions of an ESE server.

In several embodiments, a multilayer server can be connected with acontrolled entity hybrid game and can implement a multilayer module tocoordinate the activities of a controlled entity hybrid game. Amultilayer module can execute as part of a multilayer server tocoordinate the gameplay impact from player actions applied to playersand/or player classes at various gameplay layers within a controlledentity hybrid game. In numerous embodiments, a multilayer server can bepart of a distributed system where processes of a multilayer serveroccur across different multilayer servers of a multilayer server system.

Servers connected via a network to implement controlled entity hybridgames in accordance with many embodiments of the invention cancommunicate with each other to provide services utilized within acontrolled entity hybrid game. In several embodiments a RWE server cancommunicate with a GWE server. A RWE server can communicate with a GWEserver to communicate any type of information as appropriate for aspecific application, including (but not limited to): configure thevarious simultaneous or pseudo simultaneous odds engines executing inparallel within the RWE to accomplish the controlled entity hybrid gamesystem requirements, determine metrics of RWE performance such as randomexecutions run and outcomes for tracking system performance, performaudits, provide operator reports, and request the results of a randomrun win/loss result for use of function operating within the GWE (suchas where automatic drawings for prizes are a function of ESEperformance).

In several embodiments a GWE server can communicate with an ESE server.A GWE server can communicate with an ESE server to communicate any typeof information as appropriate for a specific application, including (butnot limited to): the management of an ESE server by a GWE server such asthe management of a controlled entity hybrid game tournament. Typicallya GWE (such as a GWE that runs within a controlled entity hybrid game oron a GWE server) is not aware of the relationship of itself to the restof a tournament since in a typical configuration the actual tournamentplay is managed by the ESE server. Therefore, management of a controlledentity hybrid game tournament can include (but is not limited to) taskssuch as: conducting tournaments according to system programming that canbe coordinated by an operator of the controlled entity hybrid game;allowing entry of a particular player into a tournament; communicatingthe number of players in a tournament and the status of the tournament(such as but not limited to the amount of surviving players, theirstatus within the game, time remaining on the tournament); communicatingthe status of an ESE contained in a game; communicating the performanceof its players within the tournament; communicating the scores of thevarious members in the tournament; and providing a synchronizing link toconnect the GWEs in a tournament, with their respective ESE's.

In several embodiments a GWE server can communicate with a GW patronserver. A GWE server can communicate with a GW patron server tocommunicate any type of information as appropriate for a specificapplication, including (but not limited to) information for configuringtournaments according to system programming conducted by an operator ofa controlled entity hybrid game, exchange of data necessary to link aplayer's player profile to their ability to participate in various formsof sponsored gameplay (such as but not limited to the difficulty of playset by the GWE server or the GWE in the game they are playing on),determining a player's ability to participate in a tournament as afunction of a player's characteristics (such as but not limited to aplayer's gaming prowess or other metrics used for tournament screening),configuring the game contained GWE and ESE performance to suitpreferences of a player on a particular controlled entity hybrid game,as recorded in their player profile, determining a player's play andgambling performance for the purposes of marketing intelligence, andlogging secondary drawing awards, tournament prizes, RWC and GWC intothe player profile.

In many embodiments, the actual location of where various algorithms andfunctions are executed may be located either in the game containeddevices (RWE, GWE, ESE), on the servers (RWE server, GWE server, or ESEserver), or a combination of both. In particular embodiments, certainfunctions of a RWE server, GWE server, GW patron server or ESE servermay operate on the local RWE, GWE or ESE contained with a controlledentity hybrid game locally. In certain embodiments, a server is a serversystem including a plurality of servers, where software may be run onone or more physical devices. Similarly, in particular embodiments,multiple servers may be combined on a single physical device.

Various components of controlled entity hybrid games in accordance withmany embodiments of the invention can be networked with remote serversin various configurations. A networked controlled entity hybrid game inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2.The networked controlled entity hybrid game 200 is connected with an RWEserver 202, a GWE server 204, and an ESE server 206 over a network 208,such as (but not limited to) the Internet. Servers networked with anetworked controlled entity hybrid game 200 can also communicate witheach of the components of a networked controlled entity hybrid game andamongst the other servers in communication with the networked controlledentity hybrid game 200.

In various embodiments, controlled entity hybrid games may beimplemented, in whole or in part, on a variety of devices, including,but not limited to, a personal computer 210, a gaming console 212, acasino game housed in a cabinet 214, or a mobile device 216 such as atablet computer or smartphone.

Although various networked controlled entity hybrid games are discussedabove, networked controlled entity hybrid games can be configured in anymanner as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

Among factors in the functioning of a controlled entity hybrid game areone or more enabling elements (EE), one or more actionable elements(AE), one or more controlled entities (CE) and their interoperabilitywith the game.

EEs for a controlled entity hybrid game include types of consumablecommodities and/or accumulating elements in a game context utilized toplay and operate characters or take actions in a game space. Types of EEinclude (but are not limited to): weapons ammunition, health points in afighting game, potions in the case of a fantasy game, fuel in the caseof a driving game, time in the case of a game where one races againstthe clock to achieve some objective, armies in the case of a militarystrategy game, or downs in the case of football. The nature of EE is afunction of the type of entertainment game executed on the ESE and itsstructure. In some embodiments, the consumption of EE in the process ofplaying the ESE entertainment game would trigger gambling plays on theRWE portion of the controlled entity hybrid game. In variousembodiments, it is also possible that the events of or acts ofaccumulation of EE in the entertainment game might also trigger RWEgambling plays in the same manner that consumption of EE would.Additionally, in some embodiments, it is possible that EE is recycled.The recycling or reuse of EE might also trigger RWE gambling plays. Thisis to say that games could use either EE consumption, EE accumulation,EE recycling or a combination of events to trigger RWE wagers. Thecorrelation of what events resulting in the accumulation or consumptionof EE might trigger RWE plays, and when, and the amount of RC wagered asa result of these events, would be a function of algorithms and formulaeoperating within the GWE and the controlled entity hybrid game. Itshould be understood that as consistent with controlled entity hybridgame methods that other triggers for RWE plays other than EE consumptionor accumulation could be possible.

Like EE, an AE can initiate a gambling game by committing RC to thegambling proposition within the RWE. Like an EE, AE may be consumed,recycled or accumulated. AEs, are tied to specific player decisions orplayer directed actions that are undertaken in the context of theentertainment game, the outcome of those decisions or actions, or a gameevent or milestone points, or the transpiring of real or virtual gametime in the process of playing the entertainment game. AEs, areconstructs within the GW affected by player world decisions or actionssubject to various formulae and algorithms as to whether the playerworld action or decision causes the AE to transpire.

A controlled entity (CE) includes, but is not limited to, a player'sgame world character, an entity, an inanimate object, a device or otherobject under control of the player.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process of using a controlledentity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, aplayer 302 instructs a controlled entity 304 as part of gameplay of acontrolled entity hybrid game. The controlled entity 304 consumes anentertainment game element, such as EE 306. This in turn causes an AE305 to take place, which in turn triggers a wager 312 in an RWE 314. Thegambling game result 316 then creates as output a change in the amountof RC 318 and a change in the amount of the EE 306. The amount of RC 310committed to the wager is a function (f1) 308 of the AE 305 in thiscase, and the result of the wager, if positive, generates RC 318. Thegambling result also, by function f2 320, facilitates a further changein EE 306. In various embodiments, an amount of EE may be incremented ona positive gambling result, or an amount of EE may be decremented on apositive gambling result, or an amount of EE may be incremented on anegative gambling result, or an amount EE may be decremented on anegative gambling result. In still further embodiments, a character,attribute or type of EE may be changed based on the gambling result.

In a particular embodiment, a controlled entity hybrid game implements aracing game. In such a game, gasoline is treated as an EE and isconsumed as a car, which is an example of a CE is driven around a trackby a player. Upon passing a starting line (i.e. completing one lap), anAE occurs (i.e. the negotiation of one lap), which causes an amount ofRC to be committed to a gambling game as a function of f1 (arelationship between AE and RC). If the gambling game has a positiveoutcome and returns RC, the CE (in this case the car) also realizes anincrease in gasoline (EE) as a function of function f2. The playerinstructs the CE in this embodiment by turning a steering wheel, anddepressing brake and accelerator pedals.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 4, a player 400 instructs a controlled entity 402 and thecontrolled entity consumes an EE 404, which in turn triggers a wager 406in the RWE 408. A gambling game result 414 of the wager then creates asoutput a change in an amount of RC 416 and a change in an amount of EE44. The amount of RC 410 committed to the wager is a function (f1) 412of EE 404 in this case, and the result 414 of the wager 406, ifpositive, generates RC 416. The gambling result also, by function (f2)418, facilitates a further change in EE 44. In various embodiments, anamount of EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be incremented on a negative gambling result, or anamount EE may be decremented on a negative gambling result. In stillfurther embodiments, a character, attribute or type of EE may be changedbased on the gambling result.

In a specific embodiment, a racing game is implemented using acontrolled entity hybrid game. Gasoline (EE) is consumed as the car(Controlled Entity—CE) is driven around the track. Upon consumption of adiscrete amount of EE, an amount of RC to be committed to the game as afunction of f1 (a relationship between EE and RC). If the gambling gamehas a positive outcome and returns RC, the controlled entity (in thiscase the car) also realizes an increase in gasoline (EE) as a functionof function f2. The player instructs the CE in this example by turning asteering wheel, and depressing brake and accelerator pedals.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 5, a player 500 instructs a controlled entity 502 which in turnconsumes an EE 504. This in turn causes an AE 506 to take place, whichin turn triggers a wager 508 in an RWE 510. A gambling game result 512then creates as output a change 514 in the amount of RC and a change inthe amount of EE 504. An amount of RC 516 committed to the wager is afunction (f1) 518 of EE 504 and not AE 506 in this case, and the resultof the wager, if positive, generates RC. The gambling result also, byfunction f2 520, facilitates a further change in EE 504. In variousembodiments, an amount of EE may be incremented on a positive gamblingresult, or an amount of EE may be decremented on a positive gamblingresult, or an amount of EE may be incremented on a negative gamblingresult, or an amount EE may be decremented on a negative gamblingresult. In still further embodiments, a character, attribute or type ofEE may be changed based on the gambling result.

In one embodiment, a racing game is implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game. Gasoline (EE) is consumed as the car (ControlledEntity—CE) is driven around the track. Upon driving 1 km an AE occurs,which causes an amount of RC to be committed to the game as a functionof f1 (a relationship between EE and RC). If the gambling game has apositive outcome and returns RC, the controlled entity (in this case thecar) also realizes an increase in gasoline (EE) as a function offunction f2. The player instructs the CE in this example by turning asteering wheel, and depressing brake and accelerator pedals. What isinteresting about this implementation is that the amount that one has tocommit to the gambling game can be a function of skill (i.e. if oneconsumes more gas to drive 1 kM one may have to commit more or less RCto the gambling game as a function of ‘f1’).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 6 a player 600 instructs a controlled entity 602 which in turnconsumes an EE 604. This in turn causes one or more AEs, such as AE1 606and AE2 608, to take place, which in turn triggers a wager 610 in theRWE 612. The gambling game result 614 then creates as output a change inthe amount of RC 616 and a change in the amount of EE 604. The amount ofRC 618 committed to the wager is a function (f1) 620 of EE 604 and AE2608, and the result of the wager, if positive, generates RC 616. Thegambling result also, by function f2 622, facilitates a further changein EE 604. There may be one or more (n) AEs, such as AE2 608 affectingthe amount of RC 618 committed to the wager, where n is greater or equalto 1. In various embodiments, an amount of EE may be incremented on apositive gambling result, or an amount of EE may be decremented on apositive gambling result, or an amount of EE may be incremented on anegative gambling result, or an amount EE may be decremented on anegative gambling result. In still further embodiments, a character,attribute or type of EE may be changed based on the gambling result.

In one embodiment, a racing game is implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game. Gasoline (EE) is consumed as the car (ControlledEntity—CE) is driven around the track. Upon driving 1 km an AE1 occurs,which causes an amount of RC to be committed to the game as a functionof f1 (a relationship between EE, AE2 and RC). In this embodiment, AE2is the number of competitor cars (either computer controlled or operatedby competitive players via their CEs) that are passed while achievingAE1. If the gambling game has a positive outcome and returns RC, thecontrolled entity (in this case the car) also realizes an increase ingasoline (EE) as a function of function f2. The player instructs the CEin this example by turning a steering wheel, and depressing brake andaccelerator pedals. What is interesting about this implementation isthat the amount that one has to commit to the gambling game can be afunction of skill (i.e. if one consumes more gas to drive 1 kM one mayhave to commit more or less RC to the gambling game as a function ‘f1’).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 7, a player 700 instructs a controlled entity 702 which in consumesone or a multitude of EE, such as EE1 704 and EE2 706. This in turncauses one or more AE to take place, such as AE1 708 and AE2 710, whichin turn triggers a wager 712 in an RWE 714. A gambling game result 716then creates as output a change in the amount of RC 718 and a change inthe amount of one or more EE, such as EE1 704 and EE2 706. The amount ofRC committed 720 to the wager is governed by functions (f1 x) 722 takingas arguments one or a multitude each of EE and AE, such as EE2, EE2, AE1and AE2, and the result of the wager, if positive, generates RC. Thegambling result also, by a set of functions f2 x 724, facilitates afurther change in one or a multitude of EE, such as EE1 and EE2. Theremay be n AE (and m EE) affecting the amount of RC committed to thewager, where one of (m and n) is greater than zero and the other of (mand n) is zero or greater than zero. In various embodiments, an amountof EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount ofEE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount of EEmay be incremented on a negative gambling result, or an amount EE may bedecremented on a negative gambling result. In still further embodiments,a character, attribute or type of EE may be changed based on thegambling result.

In one embodiment, a racing game is implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game. An example would be a racing game. Gasoline (EE1)and driver stamina (EE2) is consumed as the car (Controlled Entity—CE)is driven around the track. Upon driving 1 km an AE1 occurs, whichcauses an amount of RC to be committed to the game as a function of f1 x(a set of relationships between EE1, EE2, AE2 and RC). In this example,AE2 is the number of competitor cars (either computer controlled oroperated by competitive players via their CEs) that are passed whileachieving AE1. If the gambling game has a positive outcome and returnsRC, the controlled entity (in this case the car) also realizes anincrease in gasoline (EE1) and/or EE2 (driver stamina) as a function offunction f2 x. The player instructs the CE in this example by turning asteering wheel, and depressing brake and accelerator pedals. What isinteresting about this implementation is that the amount that one has tocommit to the gambling game can be a function of skill (i.e. if oneconsumes more gas to drive 1 kM one may have to commit more or less RCto the gambling game as a function of ‘f1 x’).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 8, a player 800 instructs controlled entity 802 which in turnundertakes an actionable element (AE) 804. This in turn causes EE 806 tobe consumed, which in turn triggers a wager 808 in the RWE 810. Agambling game result 812 then creates as output a change in the amountof RC 814 and a change in the amount of EE 806. The amount of RC 816committed to the wager is a function (f1) 818 of EE 806, and the resultof the wager, if positive, generates RC. The gambling result also, byfunction f2 820, facilitates a further change in EE 806. In variousembodiments, an amount of EE may be incremented on a positive gamblingresult, or an amount of EE may be decremented on a positive gamblingresult, or an amount of EE may be incremented on a negative gamblingresult, or an amount EE may be decremented on a negative gamblingresult. In still further embodiments, a character, attribute or type ofEE may be changed based on the gambling result.

In one embodiment, an adventure game is implemented in a controlledentity hybrid game. The controlled entity in this case is an adventurer.The adventurer opens a safe (the AE) and in so doing consumes a certainamount of health points (the EE). An amount of RC is committed to thegambling game as a function of the amount of EE consumed. The gamblinggame returns a specific amount of RC, which if greater than zerogenerates a change in the adventurer's health points (EE) via functionf2. It should be understood that each of the aforementioned elements ofcertain embodiments (i.e. multiple EE, AE, their combination affectingwagering, the need to undertake a specific AE to launch a wager, etc.)can likewise be applied to the above construct, where the causalitybetween AE and EE has been inverted.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 9, the diamond 904 represents an area of interest within anentertainment game. Specifically, before a CE can undertake an actioncertain entertainment game state requirements may be required to be met.This can include, but is not limited to, characteristics or attributesof the CE, possessions of the CE, the state of game play generally, thevalue of various game objects, etc. In a particular embodiment, in anadventure game, a CE is directed to open a door, as indicated by AE 906.This would in turn cause the consumption of a certain amount of healthpoints (EE) 910, which would in turn trigger the commitment as a wager911 of RC 912 to a gambling game within an RWE 914. The amount of RCcommitted is determined by a function f1 915. Upon determination of agambling result 916, an amount of RC 918 is incremented or decremented.The resultant change in RC results in a change in EE 910 via function f2920. However, in such an embodiment, it is not possible for the CE toundertake this AE (opening the door) without possession of a specifickey (i.e. a game object) or if there is inadequate ambient lighting(i.e. a game state), or if the CE's health points are too low (i.e. thecharacteristic of the CE). In various embodiments, an amount of EE maybe incremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount of EE may bedecremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount of EE may beincremented on a negative gambling result, or an amount EE may bedecremented on a negative gambling result. In still further embodiments,a character, attribute or type of EE may be changed based on thegambling result.

In an embodiment, in an adventure game implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game, a CE is directed to open a door. This would in turncause the consumption of a certain amount of health points (EE), whichwould in turn trigger the commitment of RC to a gambling game within theRWE, etc. However, it is not possible for the CE to undertake this AE(opening the door) without possession of a specific key (i.e. a requiredobject, or RO) or if there is inadequate ambient lighting (i.e. aRequired Environmental Condition, or REC), or if the CE's health pointsare too low (i.e. a Controlled Entity Characteristic, or CEC).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 10, a player 1000 instructs a controlled entity 1002 as part ofgameplay of a controlled entity hybrid game. The controlled entity 1002consumes an entertainment game element, such as EE 1004. This in turncauses an AE 1006 to take place, which in turn triggers a wager 1008 inan RWE 1010. The gambling game result 1012 then creates as output achange in the amount of RC 1014 and a change in the amount of the EE1004. The amount of RC 1016 committed to the wager is a function (f1)1018 of the AE 1006 in this case, and the result of the wager, ifpositive, generates RC 1014. The gambling result also, by function f21020, facilitates a further change in EE 1004. In various embodiments,an amount of EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be incremented on a negative gambling result, or anamount EE may be decremented. In still further embodiments, the nature,character, type or attributes of an EE may be changed. Entertainmentgame play causes game world credit (GWC) 1022 to be accumulated whencertain events take place, achievements won, enemies vanquished, lapsdriven, etc., all examples of AE. In some embodiments, a feedback loopbetween GWC 1022 and EE 1004 exists such that the amount of EE relatedto the consumption of the CE 1002 is altered as a function of f3 1024,where f3 takes as an (and in some cases its only) argument the amount ofGWC or the change in GWC or a GW result.

In one embodiment, a racing game is implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game, where the car is CE, gasoline is EE, and each kmdriven is an AE. Gambling game wagers, and the commitment of RC areinitiated for each AE (km driven). The result of the wager drives achange in RC, and through f2 may alter the amount of EE available to thecar (CE). The skill demonstrated by the player through control ofhis/her CE over that period drives a change in GWC (e.g. driving a kmunder a certain time generates more GWC, crashing less adds to GWC,etc.), which in turn, via f3, causes additional EE (i.e. gas) to beaccumulated, independent of the gambling game result.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 11, a player 1100 instructs a controlled entity 1102 as part ofgameplay of a controlled entity hybrid game. The controlled entity 1102consumes an entertainment game element, such as EE 1104. This in turncauses an AE 1106 to take place, which in turn triggers a wager 1108 inan RWE 1110. The gambling game result 1112 then creates as output achange in the amount of RC 1114 and a change in the amount of the EE1104. The amount of RC 1116 committed to the wager is a function (f1)1118 of the AE 1106 in this case, and the result of the wager, ifpositive, generates RC 1114. The gambling result, by function f2 1120,also facilitates a further change in EE 1104. In various embodiments, anamount of EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be incremented on a negative gambling result, or anamount EE may be decremented on a negative gambling result. In stillfurther embodiments, a character, attribute or type of EE may be changedbased on the gambling result. A function, f2 1120, may also alter theamount of EE 1104 as a function both of the output of the gambling game,and also the amount of GWC 1122, the change in GWC, or a GW result or amultitude of these factors.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, a player 1200 instructs a controlled entity 1202to consume an enabling element 1204 within an entertainment game 1220.As the controlled entity consumes the enabling element, an actionableelement 1206 is encountered and interacted with in the entertainmentgame. Interaction with the actionable element triggers a wager 1208 tobe placed in a gambling game implemented within an RWE 1210. An RCamount 1207 of the wager is determined by a function f1 1209 which takesas an argument the particular action element that triggered the wager.An RC amount 1212 is either incremented or decremented based on agambling result 1214 of the gambling game. A function, f2 1216, altersan amount of EE 1204 as a function both of the gambling result 1214 ofthe gambling game implemented in the RWE 1210, and also of an amount ofGWC 1218, a change in GWC, or a GW result, a variable within theentertainment game, or a multitude of these factors and or other inputs,including but not limited to a required object 1220, a requiredenvironmental condition 1222 of the entertainment game, or a controlledentity condition 1224. In various embodiments, an amount of EE may beincremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount of EE may bedecremented on a positive gambling result, or an amount of EE may beincremented on a negative gambling result, or an amount EE may bedecremented on a negative gambling result. In still further embodiments,a character, attribute or type of EE may be changed based on thegambling result.

In an embodiment, an adventure game is implemented using a controlledentity hybrid game. In the adventure game, where the EE is player healthpoints, and opening a safe (the AE) initiates, through f1, a gamblinggame that consumes a specified amount of RC. The gambling game, in thisexample, returns a higher amount of RC, which augments the player'saccount. However, when the safe is opened in the entertainment game, anexplosion ensues (an entertainment game event), which effects CEC suchthat f2 returns a null value to EE.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, a player 1300 instructs a controlled entity 1302of an entertainment game (not shown). In turn, the controlled entityconsumes an EE 1304. This in turn causes an AE 1306 to take place, whichin turn triggers a wager 1308 in a gambling game implemented in an RWE1310. A gambling game result 1312 then creates as output a change in theamount of RC 1314 and a change in the amount of EE 1304. The amount ofRC 1316 committed to the wager 1308 is a function (f1) 1318 of EE 1304and not of AE 1306 in this case, and the result of the wager, ifpositive, generates RC. The gambling result, by function f2 1320,facilitates a further change in EE 1304. In various embodiments, anamount of EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be incremented on a negative gambling result, or anamount EE may be decremented on a negative gambling result. In stillfurther embodiments, a character, attribute or type of EE may be changedbased on the gambling result.

The odds or pay table 1322 of the gambling game implemented by RWE 1310are affected by f3 1324, a function that takes as arguments a range ofvariables from the entertainment game, as well as the operator (casino)including but not limited to GWC 1326 of the entertainment game.

In an embodiment, a racing game is implemented using a controlled entityhybrid game. In the racing game, gasoline (EE) is consumed as the car(Controlled Entity—CE) is driven around the track. Upon driving 1 km anAE occurs, which causes an amount of RC to be committed to the game as afunction of f1 (a relationship between EE and RC). In this case, themore gas consumed, the less RC committed to the gambling game. The oddsof the gambling game are adjusted as a function of f3; in this example,the more gas (EE) consumed, the worse the odds in the gambling game. Ifthe gambling game has a positive outcome and returns RC, the controlledentity (in this case the car) also realizes an increase in gasoline (EE)as a function of function f2. The player instructs the CE in thisexample by turning a steering wheel, and depressing brake andaccelerator pedals.

In another embodiment, the amount of RC committed to the gambling gameis a function of the amount of gas consumed (EE). The more gas consumed,the more RC committed to the gambling game as dictated by function f1.The odds of the gambling game improve as a function of the number ofcrashes (fewer crashes leads to better odds), cars passed (more carspassed leads to better odds), and time to complete the lap (shorter timeleads to better odds). In this example, which is not meant to beexhaustive, f3 does not take EE as an argument in establishing the oddstables in the RWE.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating another process of using acontrolled entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 14, a player 1400 instructs a controlled entity 1402to consume an enabling element 1404 within an entertainment game 1420.As the controlled entity consumes the enabling element, an actionableelement 1406 is encountered and interacted with in the entertainmentgame. Interaction with the actionable element triggers a wager 1408 tobe placed in a gambling game implemented within an RWE 1410. An RCamount 1407 of the wager is determined by a function f1 1409. An RCamount 1412 is either incremented or decremented based on a gamblingresult 1414 of the gambling game of the RWE 1410. EE generated as aresult of the gambling game outcome 1414 and function f2 1416 isaccumulated in a reserve EE reservoir 1418 resident in the GWE. Thefunction, f2 1416, alters an amount of EE in the reserve EE reservoir asa function both of the gambling result 1414 of the gambling gameimplemented in the RWE 1410, and also of an amount of one or moreentertainment game variables 1411 including but not limited to GWC, achange in GWC, or a GW result, a variable within the entertainment game,or a multitude of these factors and or other inputs, a required object(RO), a required environmental condition (REC) of the entertainmentgame, and a controlled entity condition (CEC). In various embodiments,an amount of EE may be incremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be decremented on a positive gambling result, or anamount of EE may be incremented on a negative gambling result, or anamount EE may be decremented on a negative gambling result. In stillfurther embodiments, a character, attribute or type of EE may be changedbased on the gambling result.

Before the reserve EE 1418 can be accessed as EE 1404 within theentertainment game, one or a multitude of transport tests 1422 must bepassed. The transport tests are undertaken as a result of one or moretriggering events within the entertainment game. In numerousembodiments, one or more entertainment game changes in state, events,variables or occurrences, including but not limited to, an AE 1406,entertainment game variables 1411 GWC, ROs, RECs, and CECs, consumptionof EE and accumulation of EE can serve as the trigger to cause one ormore transport tests to be undertaken. In many embodiments, one or moretransport tests can also be initiated by more than one such element, orrequire the combination of a multitude of such elements to havespecified values to initiate the one or more transport tests. In someembodiments, each transport test can also have its own set of triggers.In numerous embodiments, the transport tests can also take argumentsfrom the GWE and RWE, including but not limited to the amount of RCassociated with the game by the player, player information and casinodriven variables.

When one or more transport tests returns a “YES”, a function, f4 1424,which may take as arguments any and all items used as arguments in theone or more transport tests, namely one or more variables associatedwith the entertainment game 1420, as well as other arguments from thecontrolled entity hybrid game including but not limited to an amount ofRC 1426 associated with the game by the player, information about theplayer and casino driven variables to ascertain how much EE should beshifted from reserve EE 1418 to active EE 1404.

In one embodiment, a racing game is implemented in a controlled entityhybrid game. In the racing game, EE is fuel. The CE initiates a gamblinggame every time a lap is completed (the AE). The amount of RC committedto the gambling game is a function of having completed the lap (the AE).NB—all of the prior EE, AE, and related functions can be substitutedinto this embodiment. The amount of EE to be stored in the reserve EE isestablished by f2 as a function of the amount of RC won, and a range ofgame conditions. In such a game, the amount of fuel consumed to completethe lap, the number of competitors passed, the amount of body damagesustained by the CE (the car) all factor into the amount of EE that theplayer will ultimately be able to gain access to. In this game, reserveEE, fuel, accumulation correlates to the storage of fuel in the pits.When the CE enters the pits, a specific REC is tested by a transporttest, the amount of fuel stored in that CE's pit (i.e. the Reserve EE)can be pumped into the car so long as (a) the player has adequate RC tosupport that amount of EE, (b) the fuel tank on the CE is large enough,and if there is ample time to pump the fuel into the car (i.e. car bodydamage can affect the amount of time available for fueling).

Various Initiation Modes

EEs for a hybrid game include consumable commodities and/or accumulatingelements in an entertainment game context necessary to play and operatecharacters or take actions in the entertainment game space. Anon-exhaustive list of embodiments of EE include but are not limited to:weapons, ammunition, health points in a fighting game, potions in thecase of a fantasy game, fuel in the case of a driving game, time in thecase of a game where one races against the clock to achieve someobjective, armies in the case of a military strategy game, or downs inthe case of football. The nature of EE is a function of the type ofentertainment game executed on an ESE and its structure. In variousembodiments, the consumption of EE in the process of playing an ESEentertainment game would trigger gambling plays on the RWE portion ofthe hybrid game. In a hybrid game invention, it is also possible thatthe events of or acts of accumulation of EE in the entertainment gamemight also trigger RWE gambling plays in the same manner thatconsumption of EE would. Additionally, in the hybrid game invention, itis possible that EE is recycled. The recycling or reuse of EE might alsotrigger RWE gambling plays. This is to say that games could use eitherEE consumption, EE accumulation, EE recycling or a combination of eventsto trigger RWE wagers. The correlation of what events resulting in theaccumulation or consumption of EE might trigger RWE plays, and when, andthe amount of RC wagered as a result of these events, would be afunction of algorithms and formulae operating within the GWE and thehybrid game. It should be understood that as consistent with hybrid gamemethods that other triggers for RWE plays other than EE consumption oraccumulation could be possible.

Like EE, an AE can initiate a gambling game by committing RC to thegambling proposition within the RWE. Like an EE, AE may be consumed,recycled or accumulated. AEs are tied to specific player decisions orplayer directed actions that are undertaken in the context of theentertainment game, the outcome of those decisions or actions, or a gameevent or milestone points, or the transpiring of real or virtual gametime in the process of playing the entertainment game. AEs areconstructs within the GW, not the physical world, affected by physicalworld decisions or actions subject to various formulae and algorithms asto whether the physical world action or decision causes the AE totranspire.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating initiation modes in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a player's1500 actions directly initiate consumption of EE 1502. Box 1504 labeled“hybrid game wagering and entertainment game resultant(s)” subsumes allactions that can be initiated as a function of the prior elements in anyof the flow diagrams herein.

In numerous embodiments, a player's 1506 actions directly initiate an AE1508. Box 1510 labeled “hybrid game wagering and entertainment gameresultant(s)” subsumes all actions that can be initiated as a functionof the prior elements in any of the flow diagrams herein.

In many embodiments, a player 1512 instructs a CE 1514 (characterentity) which in turn initiates the consumption of EE 1516. Box 1518labeled “hybrid game wagering and entertainment game resultant(s)”subsumes all actions that can be initiated as a function of the priorelements in any of the flow diagrams herein. In some embodiments, aplayer 1520 instructs a CE 1522 (character entity) which in turninitiates an AE 1524. Box 1526 labeled “hybrid game wagering andentertainment game resultant(s)” subsumes all actions that can beinitiated as a function of the prior elements in any of the flowdiagrams herein. In this regard the presence of a CE creates a layer ofabstraction between the player and the EE consumption and/or AEinitiation.

In numerous embodiments, such as in a 1st person shooter hybrid gamewithout the CE construct, a player may pull a trigger on a gun-like gamecontroller to directly initiate the consumption of EE (in this example,a bullet). In other embodiments, in an adventure hybrid game with the CEconstruct, a player may send his character into battle whereupon the CE,without direct input from the player, participates in a combat sequencethat includes the firing of a gun one or multiple times (therebyconsuming EE) in the context of parameters set by the player in advanceof the battle.

In various embodiments, any and all of the combinations shown in thisdiagram can be present in a single hybrid game. It should be understoodthat there is no requirement that one, or a subset of these aspects, beused singularly. Multiple instances of the same type or differentvariations may be in effect simultaneously for a given player, differentplayers may each participate in the hybrid game via different aspects(or multiple instances of the same type) of this invention at the sametime in the context of a single hybrid game, and/or different aspects ofthis invention may be in force at different points of the hybrid game.

In some embodiments, a WWII tank battle game may have a strategic mode,whereby a player instructs a general (the CE) of her army to affect abattle plan. This may cause tanks (EE) to be committed to a battle. Asthe battle commences the player may enter a mode where she directlyfires the gun of a tank at enemies (consuming shells, the EE) in anattempt to disable opponents' tanks.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating additional initiation modes inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. The four flows shown inFIG. 16 introduce a further level of complexity, whereby there is achain of more than one EE consumption or AE occurrence between theplayer or CE and the downstream events within the hybrid game (i.e.wagering, entertainment game processes, etc.). While the four casesillustrated show a two-step chain (AE-EE, EE-AE) various embodimentssubsume the case of chains of other lengths, i.e. three, four, five,etc. For example (AE-AE-AE-EE, EE-EE-AE) and so on.

In some embodiments, a player 1600 instructs a controlled entity 1602 totake an action within the entertainment game. In response the,controlled entity consumes an EE 1604. In consuming the EE, an AE 1606is interacted with within the entertainment game. The in doing so, anyof the interactions as described herein may be initiated and performedwithin a hybrid game as indicated by box 1608.

In many embodiments, a player 1610 instructs a controlled entity 1612 totake an action within the entertainment game. In response the,controlled entity interacts with an AE 1614. In doing so, an EE 1616 isconsumed in a process such as any of the hybrid game processes asdescribed herein as indicated by box 1618.

In numerous embodiments, a player 1620 directly consumes an EE 1622which in turn causes an interaction with an AE 1624. In doing so, any ofthe interactions as described herein may be initiated and performedwithin a hybrid game as indicated by box 1626.

In some embodiments, a player 1628 directly interacts with an AE 1630which in turn causes consumption of an EE 1632. In doing so, any of theprocesses as described herein may be initiated and performed within ahybrid game as indicated by box 1634.

In the aforementioned tank game embodiments, bets could be launched as afunction of AE interaction and/or EE consumption, the events that takeplace within the entertainment game as a result of the player'sdecisions and/or the general's decisions (e.g. battle is won or lost,and the amount of damage inflicted and taken by the respective armiesinvolved), the awarding of GWC, specific display output (e.g graphics,sound, vibration), etc.

Processing Apparatus

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a controlled entity hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In several embodiments, these processing apparatuses caninclude, but are not limited to, a mobile device, a gaming machine, ageneral purpose computer, a computing device and/or a controller. Aprocessing apparatus that is constructed to implement a controlledentity hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 17. In the processing apparatus 1700, a processor1704 is coupled to a memory 1706 by a bus 1728. The processor 1704 isalso coupled to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such asa storage device 1708 that stores processor-executable instructions 1712and data 1710 through the system bus 1728 to an I/O bus 1726 through astorage controller 1718. The processor 1704 is also coupled to one ormore interfaces that may be used to connect the processor to otherprocessing apparatuses as well as networks as described herein. Theprocessor 1704 is also coupled via the bus to user input devices 1714,such as tactile devices including but not limited to keyboards, keypads,foot pads, touch screens, and/or trackballs, as well as non-contactdevices such as audio input devices, motion sensors and motion capturedevices that the processing apparatus may use to receive inputs from auser when the user interacts with the processing apparatus. Theprocessor 1704 is connected to these user input devices 1714 through thesystem bus 1728, to the I/O bus 1726 and through the input controller1720. The processor 1704 is also coupled via the bus to user outputdevices 1716 such as (but not limited to) visual output devices, audiooutput devices, and/or tactile output devices that the processingapparatus uses to generate outputs perceivable by the user when the userinteracts with the processing apparatus. In several embodiments, theprocessor is coupled to visual output devices such as (but not limitedto) display screens, light panels, and/or lighted displays. In a numberof embodiments, the processor is coupled to audio output devices such as(but not limited to) speakers, and/or sound amplifiers. In manyembodiments, the processor is coupled to tactile output devices likevibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor is connected to outputdevices from the system bus 1728 to the I/O bus 1726 and through theoutput controller 1722. The processor 1704 can also be connected to acommunications interface 1702 from the system bus 1728 to the I/O bus1726 through a communications controller 1724.

In various embodiments, a processor loads the instructions and the datafrom the storage device into the memory and executes the instructionsand operates on the data to implement the various aspects and featuresof the components of a gaming system as described herein. The processoruses the user input devices and the user output devices in accordancewith the instructions and the data in order to create and operate userinterfaces for players, casino operators, and/or owners as describedherein.

Although the processing apparatus is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with many embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, the storage device can include removable mediasuch as but not limited to a USB memory device, an optical CD ROM,magnetic media such as tape and disks. Also, the storage device can beaccessed through one of the interfaces or over a network. Furthermore,any of the user input devices or user output devices can be coupled tothe processor via one of the interfaces or over a network. In addition,although a single processor is described, the processor can be acontroller or other computing device or a separate computer as well asbe composed of multiple processors or computing devices.

In numerous embodiments, any of an RWE, GWE or ESE as described hereincan be implemented on multiple processing apparatuses, whetherdedicated, shared or distributed in any combination thereof, or may beimplemented on a single processing apparatus. In addition, while certainaspects and features of processes described herein have been attributedto an RWE, GWE, or ESE, these aspects and features may be implemented ina hybrid form where any of the features or aspects may be performed byany of a RWE, GWE, ESE within a controlled entity hybrid game withoutdeviating from the spirit of the invention.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It istherefore to be understood that the present invention may be practicedotherwise than specifically described, without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the presentinvention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A controlled entity hybrid gaming system,comprising: a terminal including an entertainment software engineconstructed to: execute an entertainment game providing outcomes basedupon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game; andconvey, to the game world controller by the network, actions taken bythe player during the player's skillful execution of the entertainmentgame; and the game world controller connected to a real world controllerand connected by the network to the entertainment software engine,wherein the game world controller is constructed to: receive from theentertainment software engine the actions taken by the player; whereinthe actions taken by the player include the player's instruction of acontrolled entity of the entertainment game, wherein the controlledentity consumes an actionable element in a game world environment, andwherein upon consumption of the actionable element, a wager of realworld credits is triggered in the gambling game by the game worldcontroller; trigger the wager of the amount of real world credits in thegambling game, wherein the amount of real world credits is based on thetype of actionable element utilized; receive a gambling game outcome asa randomly generated payout of real world credits from the wager of theamount of real world credits in the gambling game; determine an amountof the actionable element as a result of a gambling game outcome; andallow access in the entertainment game to the amount of actionableelement on passing one or more transport tests on a basis of a value ofan entertainment game variable of the entertainment game.
 2. Thecontrolled entity hybrid gaming system of claim 1, wherein consumptionof the actionable element by the controlled entity causes an enablingelement of the entertainment game to trigger the wager of the amount ofreal world credits in the gambling game.
 3. The controlled entity hybridgaming system of claim 1, wherein the entertainment game variable is achange in a game world credit caused by entertainment game play.
 4. Thecontrolled entity hybrid gaming system of claim 1, wherein theentertainment game variable is an entertainment game object required forconsumption of the actionable element.
 5. The controlled entity hybridgaming system of claim 1, wherein the entertainment game variable is anentertainment game environmental condition required for consumption ofthe actionable element.
 6. The controlled entity hybrid gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the real world controller is connected by a network tothe game world controller.
 7. The controlled entity hybrid gaming systemof claim 1, wherein the game world controller and the entertainmentsoftware engine are constructed from the same device.
 8. The controlledentity hybrid gaming system of claim 1, wherein the real worldcontroller and the game world controller are constructed from the samedevice.
 9. A controlled entity hybrid gaming system, comprising: a realworld controller connected to a game world controller, wherein the realworld controller is constructed to: provide a gambling game outcome as arandomly generated payout of real world credits from a wager of anamount of real world credits in a gambling game; and receive a triggerfrom the game world controller to execute the wager of an amount of realworld credits in the gambling game; and the game world controllerconnected to the real world controller and connected by a network to aterminal including an entertainment software engine, wherein the gameworld controller is constructed to: receive from the entertainmentsoftware engine the actions taken by the player during the player'sskillful execution of an entertainment game executed by theentertainment software engine, wherein the actions taken by the playerinclude the player's instruction of a controlled entity of theentertainment game, wherein the controlled entity consumes an actionableelement in a game world environment, and wherein upon consumption of theactionable element, a wager of real world credits is triggered in thegambling game by the game world controller; trigger the wager of theamount of real world credits in the gambling game, wherein the amount ofreal world credits is based on the type of actionable element utilized;determine an amount of the actionable element as a result of thegambling game outcome; and allow access in the entertainment game to theamount of actionable element on passing one or more transport tests on abasis of a value of an entertainment game variable of the entertainmentgame.
 10. The controlled entity hybrid gaming system of claim 9, whereinconsumption of the actionable element by the controlled entity causes anenabling element of the entertainment game to trigger the wager of theamount of real world credits in the gambling game.
 11. The controlledentity hybrid gaming system of claim 9, wherein the entertainment gamevariable is a change in a game world credit caused by entertainment gameplay.
 12. The controlled entity hybrid gaming system of claim 9, whereinthe entertainment game variable is an entertainment game object requiredfor consumption of the actionable element.
 13. The controlled entityhybrid gaming system of claim 9, wherein the entertainment game variableis an entertainment game environmental condition required forconsumption of the actionable element.
 14. The controlled entity hybridgaming system of claim 9, wherein the real world controller is connectedby a network to the game world controller.
 15. The controlled entityhybrid gaming system of claim 9, wherein the game world controller andthe entertainment software engine are constructed from the same device.16. The controlled entity hybrid gaming system of claim 9, wherein thereal world controller and the game world controller are constructed fromthe same device.